**Russian Air Strikes Kill 17 in Southeastern Ukraine**
A devastating series of Russian air strikes on Tuesday has claimed the lives of at least 17 people in southeastern Ukraine. The attacks, which targeted the Dnipropetrovsk region, also wounded over 100 others, according to Ukrainian officials.
President Volodymyr Zelensky was quick to condemn the strikes, calling them a “complete disregard for life”. He took to social media to express his outrage, stating that standing with Ukraine means defending life. The President’s comments were echoed by local military administration, which described the attack as a tragic loss of innocent lives.
The strikes on Dnipropetrovsk came as Zelensky arrived at the NATO summit in the Netherlands for meetings with European leaders. This timing has led to accusations from Kyiv that Russia is deliberately sabotaging peace talks between the two warring countries and seeking to prolong the war.
**Schools, Hospitals, and a Passenger Train Damaged**
The attacks on Dnipropetrovsk were particularly devastating, with schools, hospitals, and a passenger train being damaged. Although no one was killed on the train, dramatic footage filmed by a passenger showed her being rocked and bloodied by the moment of impact.
In another separate strike on the northeastern city of Sumy, three people, including a toddler, were reported killed. The local military administration described the scene as “apocalyptic”, with rescuers helping civilians covered in blood after the attack.
**Ukraine’s Military Claims Success Against Russian Forces**
Despite the devastating attacks, Ukrainian military officials claim to have been successful in pushing Russian forces back from the border area. This success has given hope to those who believe that a peaceful resolution to the conflict is still possible.
However, with tensions running high and casualties mounting, it remains to be seen whether the two sides can come together for meaningful talks. The international community is watching closely as Zelensky meets with European leaders and US President Donald Trump to discuss defense arrangements and further sanctions on Russia.
**Timeline of Attacks**
This latest series of attacks comes on the heels of a similar barrage of strikes last week, which pounded Kyiv for nine hours and killed more than 30 people across the country. The timing of these attacks has led to accusations that Russia is deliberately sabotaging peace talks between the two warring countries.
As the conflict continues to escalate, one thing is clear: the people of Ukraine are paying a heavy price for this war.
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